Advice on backpacking across Europe?

[tennisflip]

Mainly concerned about safety and communication barriers. Also, hostels are in abundance but do you have to make reservations beforehand? Anyone who has ever done this before please chime in... I've read the guide at soyouwanna.com but would like to learn more.

 

[FoBoT]

wear berkinstocks

 

[brigden]

This was posted less than two weeks ago. There was some good advice in the thread. Search for it.

 

[SSP]

Watch Eurotrip.

 

[Kelvrick]

Originally posted by: SSP
Watch Eurotrip.

Conversion rate = good.

 

[THELAIR]

backpacked across europe for 4 months back in 2000.

Depending on how long you are going, get a euro rail pass, and a Frommers, Lonely Planet, Rick Steves (insert other choices here) Guide to Europe.

the popular hostels require reservations a couple days in advance, during the busy season others require more time in advance. communication is not an issue (wasnt for me) i can speak decent spanish, a touch of french and a touch of german. I survived fine.

Do not over pack. I had enough clothes to last me 4 days iwth out laundry. Cargo pants that can be turned into shorts, 'dressy kahki' pants, swimming shorts. then a couple t shirts, 7 days worht of clean underwar and socks and 3 shoes.

there is tons and tons of info when i was reseraching back in 99 and 2000, so there is probably 2x as much.

 

[THELAIR]

oh yah, as for safety, travel in a group. I was stabbed (superficial cut) in Hamburg by some weird wako guy asking for help with a train ticket.

 

[zimu]

i'm doing it this april, i booked through contiki who handle everythign for you, and it doesn't work out too much more expensive, plus for me the peace of mind is worth it and i know i'll get to know the group of people i'll be with.

 

[SilentZero]

Well I was stationed in europe (US Army) from 1997-2002 and did quite alot to travelling (not so much backpacking though). If I were you I would make sure you get at least a minor grasp of the languages you will be encountering and have some cash on hand at all times.

As said above, its always good to travel with someone. As for hotels, the nice ones you might need reservations for a few days before, but there are a TON of small hotels/ "mom and pop" places were people rent out rooms of their homes for very cheap. I wouldn't worry too much about that.
But if you don't stay in a nice hotel, get used to community WC's! LOL

 

[Rufio]

go to mt . tibutabu.

there you will see a woman, crying by the lake.

 

[Babbles]

Watch out for the gypsies; didn't backpack thru Europe but spent a few weeks there and the gypsies are like professional thieves.
Languages are obviously usefull, however I wouldn't sweat it if you don't know much other languages.

 

[burek]

look out for gypsies

 

[JulesMaximus]

Don't take the trains in Spain. :frown:

 

[MjCason]

Originally posted by: Rufio
go to mt . tibutabu.

there you will see a woman, crying by the lake.

friends lol

 

[GTaudiophile]

Check out this thread.

 

[GasX]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
Don't take the trains in Spain. :frown:

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